Can Mallol

Can Mallol is a historic Catalan masia (country farmhouse) in Cabrera de Mar, a small town in the Maresme region roughly 25 km northeast of Barcelona. Also known locally as Can Vivé, it ranks among the most significant rural estates in the municipality, both for its architecture and the scale of its grounds.

What is Can Mallol and where does the name come from?

The name comes from the Mallol family, long-time owners of the property — a common pattern in Catalonia, where a masia carries the surname of the family that built or ran it. The site's history stretches back well before the current building: records place the estate as far back as 1387, though the structure standing today dates to the 17th century. Carved inscriptions confirm this — 1668 on the cellar door and 1687 at the entrance to the estate grounds. Can Mallol is listed as a Local Cultural Heritage Asset (Bé Cultural d'Interès Local), a protection status that safeguards its historic fabric from alterations that would compromise its original character.

What will you see there?

The building follows the classic basilical layout of a Catalan masia: three wings set perpendicular to the façade, with the central section rising higher than the two side wings and topped with gabled roofs. The main façade is dominated by a large round-arched stone portal built with carefully cut voussoirs, reached by two steps and flanked by stone benches where residents and visitors once sat. The windows carry flat lintels framed in granite, giving the elevation the sober, solid look typical of Maresme's rural architecture.

Around the main house, several features of the estate's working past survive: a natural ice house, once used to store winter ice before the age of refrigeration, a small defensive bunker, and a stone wash basin. Together they hint at how self-sufficient farming life in this region was organized for centuries.

Following a substantial renovation, the building was repurposed — since 2023 it has housed the La Mer hotel, which preserved the original architectural elements while updating the interiors for modern stays.

How do you get to Can Mallol?

Cabrera de Mar sits on the Maresme coast and is an easy trip from Barcelona. By car, take the C-32 motorway or the N-II road; alternatively, the Rodalies regional train stops at Cabrera de Mar-Vilassar de Mar station, a short walk or local transfer from the town center. The estate itself lies on the outskirts of town, surrounded by the fields and low hills characteristic of the Maresme countryside.

When should you visit?

Spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October) offer the most comfortable conditions, with mild temperatures and the surrounding hills and farmland at their most scenic. Summer brings heavier crowds to the Maresme coast thanks to its beaches, so visitors seeking a quieter look at Cabrera de Mar's historic side may prefer the shoulder seasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you visit Can Mallol? The building currently operates as the La Mer hotel, so access to the interior is generally tied to staying there or booking its services.

Where does the name Can Mallol come from? It comes from the Mallol family, who owned the property for generations; the building is also known as Can Vivé.

How old is this masia? The site is documented as far back as 1387, and the current structure was built in the 17th century, as confirmed by inscriptions dated 1668 and 1687.

Is the building legally protected? Yes, Can Mallol is registered as a Local Cultural Heritage Asset (BCIL), which protects its historic architectural value.